Australia's abuse of Indian batsman backfires as he hits unbeaten ton

Australia's attempts to intimidate Gautam Gambhir backfired spectacularly in Delhi yesterday as the India opener left the tourists reeling — using his bat and his elbow.

The left-handed opener, playing on a helpful pitch in his home city, scored a majestic unbeaten 149 on day one of the third Test to propel the hosts to a commanding 296 for three.

He did so despite the aggressive antics of Ricky Ponting’s team, who tried to disrupt Gambhir’s supreme concentration with a relentless verbal onslaught. During the afternoon session tempers regularly boiled over as the batsman stood his ground in the face of Australia’s sledging.

Not cricket: Gautam Gambhir and Simon Katich square up after Katich allegedly blocked Gambhir's running between the wickets

Ton up: Gambhir celebrates his century as Australian captain Ricky Ponting looks on

At one point, Gambhir responded to close-range barracking from bowler Shane Watson by elbowing the all-rounder in the chest as he ran past. He later insisted it had been an accident but the intention to give as good as he got was clear.

During the last hour, Gambhir regularly traded insults with Simon Katich and the pair had to be separated by umpire Billy Bowden on more than one occasion after squaring up. But not content to just defend himself against Australian aggression, Gambhir went on the offensive.

He put on 130 for the third wicket with Sachin Tendulkar, who fell just before tea for 68. Once the Little Master was dispatched by Mitchell Johnson, VVS Laxman took up the baton in fine style. But Gambhir was the dominant partner in their unbroken stand of 139 and he reached three figures by hoisting Watson high over long on for six.

As well as seeing his bowlers toil for little reward, Ponting had a scare when Michael Clarke appeared to strain his back.